A Mighty Fortress, Indeed

On this Reformation Day, the day that we remember Martin Luther's act of nailing his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenburg church, launching the emancipation of the church from her Roman captivity, my mind goes to that great hymn which he penned during the strife that followed. The words are still true, more today than ever. Regardless of what kind of opposition to the Gospel of Christ, the Church of Christ or the people of Christ that may come, our Fortress is and always will be God Himself. Regardless of presidential elections, economic downturns, terrorism and wars, He is our sole and strong defense.

A mighty Fortress is our God, A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, The Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name, From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.

Amen. Soli Deo Gloria.